BOB'S cruises & tours's Blog

The Carnoni Bird Sanctuary is known as Trinidad's number one attraction. 

This is according to popular bloggers, like JD over at EarthXplorer.com. He took a tour of the sanctuary by boat, which is spread over a few small islands, and is home to the country's national bird, the scarlet ibis. 

It's the #1 attraction in Caroni according to TripAdvisor.com, whose users gave the sanctuary five out of five stars, and very positive reviews!

Check out the most recent review by user, "Faraaz A" on January 16, 2012:

"I've personally been on the Caroni Swamp numerous times, making the regular mission to see the scarlet ibis roosting in the evening. However, this time I organized personally with Lester Nanan for him to guide us to see numerous species of birds not usually seen anywhere in Trinidad, after having a conversation with him during which I realized his ability to identify and locate birds based just on their distant calling. Of course, we were not disappointed in the least as not only did we see the usual scarlet ibis, great and snowy egrets, osprey, little blue and tricoloured herons, common pootoo; but we also were very expertly guided to see interesting species that are not usually seen such as black-crested antshrike, straight billed woodcreeper, belted and pygmy kingfishers! It was quite the exhiliarating experience seeing these species for the first time, and I will be forever grateful to the knowledgeable tour guide Lester for leading us to all the right spots!"

(Amazing images by JD of EarthXplorer.com)

Whether you're looking to book a cruise or just want to learn more about travel to Trinidad, contact Bob's Cruises for more info!

The Kenya and Tanzania group has been back now for a month and no doubt, what they saw, felt and experienced is sinking in. Our new BOB'S cruises & tours bulletin cover is a photo taken at a school located in the Masai Mara (Kenya)  and Bob's message provides a bit of an insight to what was experienced during this incredible visit. 

It is a beautiful story because so many of the children who experience difficulties almost daily, and who live without the basics we take for granted, embraced our guests with big smiles, laughter and hugs. Heather (Bob's wife) found it all quite emotional as we believe a lot of our guests did. Although the group brought gifts from Canada and graciously donated $500, we think the ones who were really gifted, were our guests.

Ken Cenzura, one of the guests of the tour, has graciously given us permission to use his photos. Not only will the guests re-live a little of their trip, perhaps it will entice others to visit the magical countries of Kenya and Tanzania. 

Take a look at the images in the 'photo' section of our website and feel free to add your own, or any other photos from a BOB'S cruises & tours, trip. 

Monday, April 9th

Last Thursday, the Kenya and Tanzania trip came to an end. The group was scheduled to depart on an early morning flight from Dar es Salaam to Amsterdam.

One of the guests, a gentleman from Montreal who likes off-the-beaten-track travel chose to extend his trip and visit the stunning, Arab/African-influenced isle of Zanzibar. We can only imagine how fantastic the Dhow cruise to a sandbank island in the Indian Ocean for a picnic lunch, was. He then flew to Entebbe, Uganda, for a week of exploring including what we can only conceptualize as life’s truly amazing moments; tracking Chimpanzees and trekking through thick forests in search of Gorillas.

The group’s flight from Dar es Salaam to Amsterdam was almost two hours late arriving due to a damaged wheel before takeoff. Tracking the flight from here, we knew this could be a problem. The flight was scheduled to arrive Amsterdam twenty minutes before the Toronto bound flight departure – a flight, which ten of our passengers were scheduled to connect on. We have no idea how it happened but they made it, although only after a mad-dash from one gate to another.

The fourteen remaining passengers (including Bob and Heather), who had chosen the optional post-tour to Tuscany, weren’t so lucky. They missed their connecting flight to Rome. Grrrrr. However, the airline did manage to get seven of the group onboard the last flight that night to Rome. The others had to overnight in Amsterdam and depart on the first flight out, the following morning.  

It was time for us here at the office and Roberto, owner of our incredible Italian Tour Operator, ‘Timeaway,’ to swing into action. The group would not all arrive Rome mid-evening as scheduled so a new plan had to be hatched. Our guide and coach driver would stay at the airport to meet the seven passengers arriving on a much later flight. Rooms were booked at a Rome airport hotel for them and in the morning, all would swing-by the airport to pick up the remaining seven passengers. 

Now, you may think: why would we offer an optional post-tour to Tuscany after a Kenya and Tanzania trip. Our answer: Why not?

To be in the wilds of Kenya and Tanzania…in the depths of an enchanting land, regal and majestic wildlife, and even sleep for two nights in tents where the calls of the wild either rocks you to sleep or keeps you awake with a tad of scaring-the-bejesus-out-of-you while the nocturnal animals go about their nightly business, then fly due north to be in a land so strikingly different.  

Sounds good to us. Take two remarkable lands, two incredible cultures and two vastly different travel experiences and roll them into one trip. Tuscany is indeed different compared to Kenya and Tanzania but it too is a beautiful land (think rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards). It too is awesome and splendid, but in a different sort of way.

We kind-of think combining these two destinations as sort of a “filling one up”. Kenya and Tanzania filling up the soul with magic through the purity of wildlife in their natural glory, vast lands with sunsets beyond description and moments of incredibleness; and Tuscany filling the palate and tummy with God-that’s-good food paired with gorgeous Italian wines, consumed during leisurely meals at a vineyard, a restaurant and even a castle.

The Tuscany group began their trip with a three-night stay (well, due to their missed flight connection unfortunately it only ended up being two nights) at the ‘spectacular’ (Bob’s word) Castello di Spaltenna located in Gaiole in Chianti, the Chianti Classico wine region.

Days consisted of touring the Chianti Region including a visit and wine tasting (salami, bread, olive oil and olives too) at the stunning Tuscan Historical Villa Vignamaggio, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, vineyards and olive groves. It is also the place where Mona Lisa was born and the film “Much Ado about Nothing” was filmed. They visited the medieval city of Siena and the walled medieval hill town of San Gimignano.

However, we think two of the highlights have been (time to get rid of the safari duds and dandify); a four-course dinner and Spaltenna wine pairing at ‘Il Pievano’, the really lovely restaurant at Castello di Spaltenna run by Chef Fabrizio Borraccino; and another wonderful four-course dinner with wine pairing of Barone Ricasoli wines at “Osteria del Castello” run by Chef Franco Sangiacomo who was schooled at the two Michelin star Gaetano Trovato’s. The restaurant is part of Barone Ricasoli (winery, castle, museum and vineyard) - Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy and second oldest winery in the world.

In an email Bob wrote “wine, food and service excellent at every turn”.

They arrived Florence yesterday afternoon to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Their home in Florence for two nights is Bernini Palace Hotel, an elegant hotel recalling the charm of the ancient glories of the palace, which dates back to the XV century.  

We’ve upgraded them to deluxe rooms, each room showcasing wonderful furnishings, each room different from the next.

Tonight is their last night and we thought they should have some fun. Their farewell dinner is at “Osteria de Giovanni”, a typical, well-known by the locals, Florence restaurant that “clearly enjoys making people happy”. We are sure our guest’s, on this very last night of their extraordinary trip, are happy.

Castello di Spaltenna

Barone Ricasoli Winery

Bernini Palace Hotel (Florence)

Tuesday, April 3rd 

We don’t know if it was deep wishful thinking on our guest’s part, praying daily to the African Gods, or the Masai morani (warrior-youth) leaping into the air from a standing position in order to demonstrate their strength and agility…similar to the strength and agility of the leopard. Whatever the reason, the ‘prize’ appeared.

‘Prize’ meaning any one of those experiences which lies in the category of: Bucket List, Brag Factor, or things to see before you bite the dust. You get the idea.

In this case, the prize was the exquisite and balletic Leopards who decided to show their spotted glorious selves to our guests. It is never a guarantee to view a Leopard regardless where you may go on safari, but if you do, it is an elevated experience to sight this most secretive, perplexing and ravishing creature.

It happened the day after our group’s descent into Ngorongoro Crater – one of the places a number of our guests were anxious to experience. Ngorongoro Crater is a bedazzling and breathtaking natural wonder. Volcanic craters form stunning backdrops to some of the richest grazing grounds in Africa.  Bob Kerby (owner) wrote, “Ngorongoro Crater was a knockout”.

We think the other knockout was their night at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, an &Beyond property. Located throughout Africa, &Beyond is considered one of the most luxurious safari properties offering a true African experience mixing local beauty, exceptional service and elegant accommodations. We've been told the group was greeted by staff at the gate, and in their bathroom red roses were placed on the sink counter and a bath was drawn. 

We made sure our guests arrived at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge mid-afternoon in order for them to relish in the property’s wild African architecture, exceptional views and peaceful setting. We can only imagine that the sundowner (African term for a drink watching the sunset…a ritual for any safari) was amazing because quite frankly, not many sunsets in the world can match the sun setting over the plains of Africa dotted, sometimes covered, with wildlife as they prepare to wind-down their day. To have this particular sunset overlooking Ngorongoro Crater, we are sure was nothing short of spectacular.

Back to the prize.

The next day in Serengeti National Park, Bob had the distinct pleasure of spotting a leopard climbing a very large tree on the Serengeti savannah as they were following a small riverbed. A few moments later, one of the other safari vehicles spotted a second leopard in another large tree. Before long (guides graciously share with other guides, sightings), all the safari vehicles in the vicinity converged to view these oh-so magnificent kitty-cats.

So now our group can boast about viewing the Big 5! A Brag Factor for sure but bragging about viewing the Big 5, particularly the leopard, will not even begin to paint a picture of the true meaning of actually experiencing it. It is said that Africa gets into your soul – you feel it deep within as opposed to only viewing it, and we are pretty darn sure our guests will concur now that they have experienced it.

No picture, video or description will give the ‘highs’ of their time in Kenya and Tanzania, justice. In order to truly understand the emotional impact, the deep feeling one feels and the power of Mother Nature in the imperial wild, one has to actually be in the moment. Unless you have been there, sorry, but you just won’t get it.

But that is ok because each of our guests will hold their highs as their own personal treasures.

Spending three nights at the luxurious Bilila Lodge in Serengeti National Park was another treat for our guests (although we actually think pretty much every day was a treat). Bob wrote that Bilila Lodge was ‘magnificent’, and we suspect their time there, even though they did morning and afternoon safaris, was a wonderful break from the more active part of the their trip.

As a surprise whilst at Bilila Lodge, our group was taken into the bush one evening for a BBQ. Lit by torches, they ate, drank and were merry at tables laid out under the starry night. Masai, dressed in vibrant, creative and colourful attire, danced as our group sat around a campfire. 

Don’t know about you, but we think: If one images a world map, points to a dot on the map in Tanzania, in East Africa, in the Serengeti, in the bush - sitting around a campfire with a glass of libation in hand, watching the elegant Masai perform their traditional dance – well, this had to be another moment to add to their list of extraordinary. 

As we write, it is evening in Dar es Salaam. It is the group’s (full) last night of the Kenya and Tanzania trip. They are staying at the Karibu Sea Cliff Hotel, which is located on a small cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The plan is; we have arranged an al fresco farewell dinner at the hotel in a place beside the ocean. When darkness is upon, the lulling of the sea and the whispering of the waves will provide a magical musical backdrop.

The plan is; before dinner, they will clean up and dress up, and meet at a special platform-type place on the grounds right by the ocean.

The plan is; they will have a glass of wine, become introverted and reflect on all the magnificence that was seen, experienced and felt in the past two weeks.

The plan is; they will view the colours of the glorious sky and the light turquoise-coloured waters of the Indian Ocean fade as the sun sets and the two merge into darkness.

There’s only one problem with this ‘plan’. Checking the weather in Dar es Salaam on the Internet, current weather conditions call for thunderstorms!

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The most elusive of the Big 5, the leopard.

Bilila Lodge, Serengeti National Park

Wednesday, March 28^th

Trying to follow our Kenya & Tanzania group from our office has proven to be a bit difficult – guess the group would rather be viewing the incredible sea of flamingos dotting the shores of Lake Nakuru and the exquisite wildlife in Masai Mara, sipping a swanky drink while watching the brilliant colours of the sun setting over natures lushes and eating scrumptious meals while regaling in the day’s adventure - than spend time on the internet emailing us about their trip.

But, they are back in Nairobi staying once again at Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (a grand example of the great colonial hotels that became home for those building a nation), so we have finally heard from owner Bob Kerby (this trip is his and Heather’s 19^th Anniversary Tour).  

Their journey has taken them to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivahsa (including a boat ride on the lake to Crescent Island) and the outstanding and famed Masai Mara, one of the best ‘plains’ game reserves anywhere. They also visited a ‘live’ flower farm and a Masai village along with a Masai school – our guests took over colouring books, crayons, storybooks and even a Canadian flag, as gifts.

Bob wrote that on their first day in Masai Mara they were “overwhelmed” with the animals viewed; they saw four out of the Big Five. The fifth, being the leopard, who is notoriously elusive, solitary and largely nocturnal, did not feel obliged to make an appearance. Apparently the plan is, in the minds of our group, to find a leopard in Serengeti.

All of this is extraordinary in itself but we can only imagine what they did this morning was a combination of scary, exhilarating, mind-blowing and one of life’s true moments - there are moments in one’s life when one feels there is nowhere else on Earth I would rather be then where I am in this moment.

Dragged out of bed well before dawn, twenty of our guests who had chosen the optional balloon safari were taken to a field to watch the balloons inflation as the pilots torched the coloured balloon fabric to life, before lifting-off in the balloon carriage; for sure a few of our guests let out a wee scream and the feeling of floating up made some of their hearts skip a beat. 

Flying along with the prevailing winds over the Masai plains for an hour and fifteen minutes/approximately fifteen kilometres, at an altitude of fifty to three hundred feet, the balloons followed one of the lesser rivers where the animals come to drink, then onto one of the big plains allowing magnificent views of the great wildlife including the fascinating and beautiful lions, elephants and rhino, in addition to grants, gazelle, warthogs, impala, water buffalo, various birds and even monkeys.

The question is: How do you describe something that is indescribable?

After a perfect landing facilitating an easy recovery for the balloon team, the group ate a first-class, al fresco ‘bush’ BBQ breakfast laid-out on tables set in the Masai plains accompanied with a glass of fizz (champagne) to toast their magnificent adventure. Oh, and they also received a certificate signed by their pilot proving they did indeed do something a bit mad! - and phenomenal.

Tomorrow, they bid adieu to the magical country of Kenya and the gracious hospitality of the wonderful Kenyans who made their visit incredibly special.  

They bid farewell to Richard Adika (Chronicle Tours) who has put his heart-and-soul into making sure our guests’ adventure in Kenya was tremendous, to Vickie Muyanga (Fairmont Norfolk Hotel) who took great care of everyone at the lovely Norfolk Hotel and even the gal from the balloon safari company who Richard made drive all the way from Nairobi to Masai Mara specifically to be with our group when they floated over the plains. They will also say good-bye to the Dawa Cocktail, which makes us wonder: Do you think they have ‘medicine’ in Tanzania?

Tomorrow, they cross the border into Tanzania, where they will be met by another charming and personable East African with an infectious laugh (what is it about the big smiles, warmth and infectious laughs of the East African people?); Cliff D’Souza, Managing Director of Savannah Tours and Safaris, our Tanzania Tour Operator. 

Cliff, who resides in Dar (that’s local lingo for Dar es Salaam), has graciously flown to the town of Arusha to meet our guests at the Arusha Coffee Lodge for lunch after they arrive in Tanzania.  He has promised to send us an update on the group and their trip thus far.

Friday, March 23rd 

Our Kenya & Tanzania group (25 guests) arrived Nairobi yesterday evening after a long flight from Toronto. Clearing Customs and Immigration and collecting their luggage, they proceeded outside of the Baggage Claim Area only to be met by not one...but five smiling Kenyans who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Four of them were their Driver/Guides who will be taking them in six-seat safari vehicles on their trip through Kenya. The other was the extremely personable (his laugh is infectious) Richard Adika from our Kenya Tour Operator, Chronicles Tours. The group transferred to the famous Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, a gorgeous five-star hotel that has hosted colourful historic figures and was first built in 1904.

Arriving the hotel, the group was taken to the hotel's private tropical gardens for VIP check-in and a little something to help with their jet-lag...a little 'medicine' so to speak. Like searching for the Big Five when in Kenya one must also engage in another Kenyan treasure: the Dawa Cocktail. Dawa means 'medicine' in Swahili. 

Recipe? - who the heck knows. What we do know is; put wedges of lime, honey and sugar in a glass. Smash this with a thick crayon-colour type stir stick. Add ice and vodka and keep smashing/stirring to release all flavours. 

This in itself sounds delightfully lovely. However, the problem is that we are missing one very important ingredient: The 'secret' ingredient. But what is this secret ingredient? "Only the bartender knows" says Richard with a laugh. "Only the masked man knows" says the bartender pointing to a mask image on his shirt. "it's a magic ingredient" says Vickie Muyanga, the vivacious Director of Sales, Fairmont Norfolk Hotel Nairobi.

No one will tell us and quite frankly, we are not even sure anyone knows. Perhaps it is an African tribal's spirit sprinkling a magic potion on the drink. Perhaps it is the soul of the beautiful and joyous Kenyans seeping into the glass. Or, perhaps it is simply a bee putting something special in the honey. Whatever it is, the Dawa Cocktail is divine. And no doubt this medicine worked wonders in lulling our guests to sleep. 

We made the group get up early today but we think it's worth it. Not only are they going to visit Nairobi's National Museum, which provides a great over-view of the country's history, nature, culture and contemporary art, they are going to travel about 45-minutes out of city to visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Famous around the world, the Trust's main legacy is their dedication and devotion to animal welfare and endangered species. They provide a home to orphaned elephants and rhinos; nurturing them and teaching them the skills to survive in the wild. Between 11:00 AM and 12:00 noon, the elephants are brought in from the park for a mud bath and feeding, allowing guests an emotional bonding experience with these truly beautiful and innocent creatures. And to think some people hunt elephants for ivory, or as a sport!!

Back at the hotel for an afternoon of lazing by the pool, relaxing in the beautiful gardens, catching up on some sleep or maybe even having another spoonful of medicine (read: Dawa Cocktail), it will be a much needed break because tomorrow, they are off on their Kenyan adventure. First stop; Kariandusi Pre-Historic Site discovered by Dr. L. Leakdy in 1929 then to Lake Nakuru for their first game safari, viewing the vast quantity of flamingos that famously line the shore, and overnight. 

Fairmont Norfolk Hotel Nairobi

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

So many things to remember!

Once you’ve booked your flight or reserved your spot on a cruise, you realize there are still a dozen or so important details to take care of before you leave.

That’s why we put together this handy travel checklist to help you stay organized and stress-free. 

1) Call your Credit Card Company and/or Bank to let them know you’re leaving the country. 

Most have anti-fraud services in place, so if foreign withdraws start popping up in your account a red flag is going to go off and your account might be frozen. Let them know where you’re going and how long you’ll be there.

2) Place a stop or hold on mail and deliveries. 

A pile of newspapers on your front lawn is a clear message to thieves that you’re away from home.

3) Write down emergency numbers 

… For you and for those back home. Give family, friends, neighbors and/or house sitters a way to reach you should an emergency occur. This includes both your new cell number if you’re using a SIM card and the number and address of the hotel you’re staying at.

For yourself: write down any numbers you might need during your trip. This includes family, friends, Doctor, bank, credit card companies and sitters. If you’re friendly with your neighbors ask them to keep an eye on your place.

4) Prep your home. 

If you have a security system this is the time to use it. Set some lights in and around your place on a timer to make it look like someone is home.

Throw out all garbage and go through your fridge for food that will expire. I also highly recommend cleaning up your place before you go. There’s something to be said about coming home to a clean and tidy home after a long trip.

If you have lawn or pool maintenance, either put the service on hold or let the company know you will be out of town. Turn your thermostat off or set it at a base temperature that will keep your pets and plants alive and healthy.

5) Set up pet care. 

Figure out if a friend can watch your pets from their home, or if they can come over regularly to take care of them. For more info, check out the Lazy Traveler’s Guide to Leaving Pets at Home.

6) If you’re bringing your laptop, back up all data before you go.

Use a cloud backup service like Syncplicity (2GB free) or Dropbox (also 2GB free). You can also save stuff to your Google account in Google Docs.

Clean out the memory card on your camera and save those to your computer or an online program (like our Travel Photos feature!)

7) Learn the basics of the local language. 

8) Pack maps, guides and public transportation schedules.

Do some research beforehand about your destination so you know what you want to see while you’re there. Tentatively plan out the first few days - you don’t need a rigid schedule but rather a loose idea of the sights, restaurants and other local spots you want to check out. Remember - this is something we can help you with if you plan and book with us!

9) Check the weather.

Especially if you’re not familiar with your destination, it’ll help you determine what to pack.

10) Pack only essentials - it will save you stress! 

• The minimum amount of clothes that can be easily mixed and matched throughout the trip. 
• Extra contact lenses, lens solution & glasses. 
• Camera, batteries & recharger. 
• Voltage converter, small flashlight, cell phone & charger. 
• Any RX, vitamins & anti-diarrheal medications.

If you have a medical condition that might cause some delay at the airport (like a metal implant or liquid insulin capsules) bring the appropriate doctors note. Meet with your Doctor before your trip and ask for a written or typed, formal note on the Doctor stationary with the Doctor’s signature at the bottom. The note should be as specific as possible.

If you have a disabilty, let the airline know ahead of time. For every official staff member that asks for your ID, show them your paperwork proving your disability or condition.

11) Pack your carry-on. 

Make sure you have your identification, credit card(s), flight tickets and hotel reservation information / confirmation numbers. If you have them, bring your list of frequent flier numbers and any insurance cards. Don’t bring any more credit cards than you need to. Buy quart-size zipped lock bags if you plan to bring any liquids (under 3oz).

12) Get some cash. 

You should bring credit cards too, but always try to have some cash on you for cab fees and other incidentals. Find out what the local currency is and try to bring some if you can.

Bookmark this page for your next trip!

Say goodbye to surprise baggage fees.

Getting hit with a penalty fee for oversized baggage probably ranks somewhere between screeching children and overzealous security agents on my list of airport annoyances. It's difficult to estimate a bag's weight at home, and once you're at the airport, areas to measure your luggage can be in short supply.

Luckily, Travelon’s got a luggage scale to fix that.

Just slip the hook under one of your bag’s straps or handles and lift. It’ll weigh and then display your luggage’s heft in both pounds and kilograms. When it’s time to weigh another bag, merely twist the knob on the face to reset the scale. And thanks to its built-in tape measure, you’re good to go on size requirements, as well.

We’re all about saving time and money - at $9.95, this luggage scale does both.

Get it at TravelSmith today.

We're all pretty excited about our Mekong River Cruise to Vietnam, Cambodia & Hong Kong. Cambodia in particular is one of our favorite destinations, unique and beautiful and full of fantastic scenery and calming sunsets. 

(Image by Justin Mott for The New York Times)

That's why this article by Ondine Cohane for The New York Times caught my eye: "Cambodia's Sweet Spot." This little getaway, a small seaside village about halfway along the coast of Cambodia, has much to offer.  Check out her article for a description of this serene spot, some backstory and tips on what to do when you're there. Here's an excerpt:

"Luckily (and thanks in large part to the global financial meltdown of the last few years) the more egregious development plans seem to be moving slowly. Except for the bridge and the concrete hotel, Cambodia’s version of a Macao on the beach still exists only on paper. The few projects that have been realized, like the recently opened Song Saa on the island of Koh Rong, tend to be high-end and lower-impact — 27 luxury villas mixed with an emphasis on sustainability and community participation. 

In the meantime, there are still too-good-to-be-true budget places. We stopped at one of them, called Angkor Chum, on the southwestern part of Koh Rong, for a meal on the way back to Kep: $15 (American dollars are accepted all over Cambodia) a day covers a beachfront bungalow at the edge of a secluded cove reached only by boat; meals of crab, squid and barbecued fish are served to order at a bare-bones dockside restaurant."

We look forward to traveling with you! 

The port of Lisbon plays host to more than 250,000 cruise passengers a year and with good reason!!!!

There are so many things for cruise passengers to see and do in Lisbon once you're on dry land.

Given the fact that the port is located on the Tagus estuary in downtown Lisbon, the activites are almost endless. Be sure to also check out the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Jeronimos Monastery and the Maritime Museum.

Of course, there are always excursions to take so make time to check out some of the most popular ones, such as a visit to Fatima in the Calley of Cova da Iria, which is the site of the Virgin Mary's alleged appearance in 1917. Or you can relax on the sunny coast of Estoril and discover why this spot was the inspiration for the movie, "Casino Royale."

There is an abundance of things to do and see in the Port of Lisbon, so don't think - just pack!

Let Bob's Cruises take care of the all the details!!!

Just about every cruise ship is maintained for repairs and outfitted with upgrades on a fairly regular basis. Fresh paint, new technology - this has been the industry standard for some time now. 

Recently however, many cruise lines have upped their game and are revamping their cruise ships for a new generation of cruisers. As posted on ChrisCruises.com:

"Adding features that might not have existed when the ship was built, older ships are being transformed into vibrant, relevant floating hotels, competitive with the newest at-sea or land vacation options for many. The first major project with much more than a new coat of paint was spearheaded by Carnival Cruise Lines  and their Evolutions Of Fun program that brought a new water park and adult serenity area to older ships, among other improvements.  Holland America soon followed, spreading the Signature of Excellence around the fleet."

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas has added everything from a nursery to ship-wide WiFi, to fancy and casual eateries alike.

The cruiser here has a real advantage as cruise lines attempt to outdo one another in a slow economy. 

Check out the full article - "Renewed, refreshed cruise ships court a new generation of traveler" - for more info. 

As always, if you need help deciding which cruise is best for you, contact the experts at Bob's Cruises & Tours. We excel at creaing your perfect cruise vacation, based on your budget and interests.

Cruises are, in my opinion, one of the best forms of travel. Self-contained, relaxing, adventurous - everything you need for a perfect vacation. In fact, the hardest part about taking a cruise is deciding on which one. 

One of the first questions you'll need to answer is in regards to size - do you want to take a large, mega cruise aboard a line like Carnival or Caribbean? Or would you be more comfortable on a smaller vessel that's a little more local and intimate?

A yacht in Lorient, Bretagne, France

There's a great article I wanted to share by Matt Long of LandLopers.com - "Size Matters When Choosing a Cruise." He goes through various criterion to help you decide: Food, Amenities, and People. Both size cruise ships have something great and unique to offer - it really comes down to what you're lookig for. As Matt writes, 

"Oddly enough, cruising is a personal experience and everyone has different preferences. Large ships are great and are themselves a separate destination in addition to the various ports of call. Small ship cruising though is unique and not only gives its passengers an intimate feel, but because of the smaller ship size they can access areas of the world unavailable to the mega ships."

Check out his full article for more information, and you can contact us at Bob's Cruises to start your perfect cruise vacation!

Cultural norms can vary drastically from country to country, and even among different regions within the same country. 

Take Italy for example. The South is a little more laid-back, and has a few particular traditions and superstitions not commonly found in the North. For example, it's considered back luck for four people to shake hands at the same time - forming a cross. Many older Italians will wait until the first party is finished shaking hands before putting forth their hand.

This tip and many others you can find on GotSaga.com - World's Most-Visited Countries - Travel Etiquette. Author Lee goes through 8 popular travel destinations and names some of the most relevant cultural etiquette you'll want to know for your next trip. Check it out!

By now, everyone has heard of the Costa Concordia, a cruise ship owned by Genoa-based Costa Cruises that ran aground on a sand bank off the island of Giglio last Friday. 

Such occurrences are exceedingly rare, though as this tragedy shows us, they're still possible even with the technology and resources we have today. In the 100th anniversary of the Titantic, it's a good reminder to pay attention to cruise ship regulations and safety drills. Hopefully it will also be a good reminder to cruise captains and crew to improve their safety plans. According the CNN.com,

"Under current international regulations, each cruise company must have a safety plan, called a safety management system, that details responsibilities in the event of an emergency."

While you have little control over the abilities of the captain or crew, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, in the very rare circumstance of something happening. 

The CNN article by Katia Hetter ("In a cruise ship crisis, what should happen?") recommends making a copy of your passport and keeping a bag of necessities like important medication. Participate in the mandatory safety drill, and find out where you can get a life jacket. 

Here at Bob's Cruises and Tours, we're certainly going to keep on cruisin' - and using our common sense. 

Going on a cruise vacation? Can’t leave your furry loved ones behind? 

Check out Cunard - a high-end cruise line that allows pets on board the Queen Mary 2. Space is limited but if you book in advance you can snag one of twelve kennel spots.

There are some rules - you’ll need a certificate of health, proof of up-to-date vaccinations and documents for your pets stating they have no communicable disease. You should talk to your vet about all this before hand. Pet areas are restricted but the QM2 is outfitted with a special Pet Master, sort of the Activities Director for your pooch.

Check out this article, How to Take Your Pet on a Cruise Ship for more information.

For more tips on traveling with your pets, contact us at Bob's Cruises! 

Barry Vaudrin, Host of Cruising Authority, has been on over 300 cruises and has some great tips to pass on to those considering their next cruise. We wanted to share this video with you for some good info!

If you ever have any questions about cruising - don't hesitate to ask us at Bob's Cruises. We have been on hundreds of cruises all around the world and know exactly what it takes to plan your perfect cruise vacation. Just contact us for more info!

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of going on a multi-generational family cruise vacation to Mexico. Our group was my parents and sister, grandparents, an aunt and uncle, and their two young kids. Quite the crew. 

It ended up being so much fun, and I cherish those memories. Cruises are great for that, because everyone had something to do, whether it was my Dad enjoying the buffet, my grandma at the casino or my little cousins playing at the kids' center. 

Planning a trip for such a large and diverse group can be tricky though, even for the most seasoned of travelers. I found this article by Nancy Schretter, Editor of familytravelnetwork.com: 12 Tips for Multigenerational Family Vacations. They're super insightful and worth a read as you plan your next vacation. Here's an excerpt:

10. Set a comfortable pace: Keep in mind each family member's individual preferences for waking hours, activity schedules, dress, dining options, nightlife, and needs for sleep and plan accordingly. Respect your differences and be willing to bend the rules a bit if necessary. Letting teens sleep in for an hour might make all the difference in having a great time on a multigenerational family vacation.

And remember! The easiest way to save yourself some stress on your next trip is to book through Bob's Cruises & Tours. Our experienced consultants can take care of all your travel needs.

Contact us for more info!

Everyone loves a good cruise but a vacation at sea is an especially great choice for family vacations. Nowadays, if you're traveling with the kids in tow, there are a variety of ships to choose from that offer family-friendly activities, entertainment and food options. 

One of them is Carnival. As Nancy Schretter, Editor of the FamilyTravelNetwork.com writes, Carnival Makes Family Cruise Magic. She provides an entire list of reason why this cruise line is perfect for cruising families - even multigenerational ones. Check out the full list. Note that one of her reasons is the "Adults-Only Serenity," which gives parents a quiet area to get away and relax. 

If this sounds like something you could see your family enjoying, contact us at Bob's Cruises. Our experienced consultants will find a way to create your perfect cruise vacation within your budget. 

Oh, and if you're looking for adults-only cruises, we have those too. We are experts in the cruise industry and can set you up with the cruise of your dreams - no matter what that is. 

Located on the northwest coast, Città del Mare is the largest Hotel Village in all of Sicily. It's surrounded by a natural and lush 27 hectare park with a variety of exotic and native Mediterranean plants. The village faces the sea and offers everything you could dream of for the perfect vacation. 

Città del Mare has over 800 rooms. It's a virtual city inside itself, with restaurants, a wellness center and endless experiences and activities. Take advantage of the nearby sea and try everything from scuba diving to windsurfing. Or stay in the Village and have fun in one of the many swimming pools. 

The Città del Mare also arranges a number of excursions around the island for everything from shopping to ruins.

This really could be the ultimate vacation. Whether you take your sweetheart or the whole family, consider making this beautiful island getaway your next trip. 

Plus! 

Bob's Cruises can set up this entire experience - why not start with a cruise through the Mediterranean? Or is there somewhere else you'd love to see? We can help. Just contact us for more info. 

Yes, you’ve heard it a countless times. If you’re traveling and have to spend the day outside, leave your valuables back at the hotel room. And the most obvious place to hide them is inside the safe box.

But you might want to think again. 

Within a week of its posting, Syrangerpro’s video has become viral online, gaining over a million views (and counting!) on Youtube.

The presenter demonstrates how a typical hotel room safe works, exposing a glitch in the security. He enters his own unique password, hits the lock button and the safe locks. Then he enters the exact same password and the safe opens as it should.

However the presenter continues to narrate an alarming incident on his recent trip. Forgetting his password, he asked for assistance from the hotel staff only to find out that there was actually a default password set up.

Remember that old story? Just say “Open Sesame” and the cave of treasures opens. With the hotel room safe, punch in all zeroes, and your safe will open.

Distressing thought: The same trick could possibly unlock virtually any standard hotel room safe boxes.

So before you decide to leave your cash, credit cards and other important documents in there, check and double-check the safe’s security. And find an alternative place to stash your belongings.

Tipping on a cruise can be confusing: how much gratuity has been included in the package? Is it evenly distributed among the staff? When do I tip? Here are some tips to tip appropriately while on a cruise.

Most standard cruise packages set up your shipboard account with an extra (usually $10) gratuity fee per person, per day - and thus no tipping is required.

Or is it? Some luxury cruises have a no-tipping policy, but in many the cruise staff heavily depend on tips as part of their income. Automatically included gratuity picked up steam with an influx of European and Asian cruise travelers, unfamiliar with tipping customs in Canada and the States.

This is common on more luxury-type cruises. Some cruises allow passengers to opt out of the automatic service charge, leaving it up to their independent discretion as to who and when to tip. On more commercial cruise lines tipping cash is acceptable and recommended.

The automatic gratuity does help ensire more evenly distributed tips among the crew. Some of the service staff who work in the breakfast or snack areas aren’t tipped and instead depend on tip sharing with other staff and the automatic gratuity charged to passengers.

It is customary to tip cabin stewards, butlers, dining room servers and assistant servers on the last night of the cruise. You also can tip dining staff every night about $5. For cabin stewards you can give $5 a night and bartenders $1 per drink. The maître d’ does not need to be tipped.

A good estimate for your tipping budget is around 10% the cost of the cabin, so something like $15-20 per person, per day. Envelopes are sometimes left in cabins, or can be picked up at the Cruise Information Center.

Ultimately, tip according to what feels right for you. Gratuity can save you some hassle, like having enough cash to tip with on board. But tipping may help to build more personal relationships with the staff that serves you and your family on vacation. 

And if you have any questions - don't hesitate to contact one of our agents! We know the industry inside and out and want to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip for you. 

Jodi Thompson of CruiseCritic.com brought up this concern: Why Late-Comers to the Main Dining Room Leave a Bad Taste. 

The issue is this: late-comers to mealtime on a cruise delays service for others as well, putting those who arrived on time behind schedule and possibly late for a show they had planned to attend after dinner.

Is this fair? The obvious answer is no, but most cruise lines are reluctant to enforce a cut-off time and turn away late-comers. You can also make the case that those with plans after dinner should simply change tables or skip dessert, but some old-time cruisers believe this does not address the larger problem.

One commenter summer is up quite nicely:

"Rule and guidelines are in place for a reason, and that is because while one issue may seem like nothing to one person it may be a very big deal to somebody else. Therefore, as a courtesy to other travelers and the staff everyone should follow the rules and guidelines that are in place." - CA girl in TX

What do you think? Should cruisers be able to come and go as they please or is there a line to draw for the greater good?

Swim with the dolphins at Punta Cana to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. 

Dolphin Explorer in Punta Cana invites visitors into its unique tropical world where you can discover, touch and swim with the dolphins in their natural environment.

Although this trip is super fun, it's also educational, and you'll learn about the anatomy and convervation of the dolphins. The trainers will coach you for the "foot push" where the dolphins push you at a high speed across the water. 

For those of you a little more adventurous, you can also try swimming with sharks and stingrays!

Bonus!

A trip to Punta Cana might be just what you need - warm, relaxing, fun. We can take all of the stress out of the planning and booking of your travels. Just contact us for more info!

We all love a good cruise, but who can stand getting those itemized bills at the end, full of nickel-and-dime surcharges and fees that almost come out to what you paid in the first place.

I think I’ve actually paid $25 for a misplaced towel. Pretty awful.

It’s time to fight back. Here’s how you avoid those surprises and keep your money where it belongs - with you.  

Firewater

Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise fare. So if a $10 highball doesn’t appeal to you, BYOB. Most cruise lines allow one bottle of wine per person. Bring it to dinner and pay a small corkage fee.  

Consider getting a drink voucher. Compare prices first - how much per drink vs. drink pass, and decide accordingly.

The Captain’s Party and the Welcome Back party for return cruisers are exceptions to this, so be sure not to miss out on free cocktails! 

Plan Your Own Excursions

Sure, it’s convenient that the ship sets up day trips onshore, but with some planning, you can put together your own excursion at a fraction of the cost. Sometimes just exploring is better than being herded around en masse (make sure you get back to the ship on time - they will leave without you!).

Check prices ahead of time on the cruise line’s website, or consult one of our expert travel consultants for the best deals. 

Spare the Spa

If you can’t go without, wait for special promotions to be announced during port days. If you go during the day tours, you can probably get reduced rate treatments. Ask around!

Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Seriously. You'll pay like $3 a minute. Ship-to-shore can be $10 a minute. Holy mackerel!, right? You might as well just pretend your cell phone doesn’t exist.

Also, skip out on the internet package. They can be a few hundred dollars and for what? To check your email? Use the internet cafes instead wherever you dock. 

Casino

Don’t head toward the ship’s casino thinking you’ll win back your cruise fare. Your odds here are worse than in an onshore casino because it’s mostly unregulated. Set aside some money and be okay with losing it.

Watch What You Eat

Food is included, but many cruises now offer separate, fancy dinners for $20-$30 a pop. Not worth it!

However if you do want to try one out, wait a night or two and chat with other passengers for feedback and comparisons.

And take advantage of room service - it’s included FREE of charge. Order up some juice in the morning, or a cheese platter to go with your personal wine bar.

Bonus!

The easiest way to save money on your next cruise is by booking with Bob's Cruises. Not only can we take care of all your travel arrangements, but we can plan and book your trip around your budget and and interests. Just contact us for more information.